Innovative community organisation Active Families North East opened its first Wellbeing Hub in Washington Millennium Centre at a health-powered opening party.
The company, which already helps over 500 individuals across the region each week to improve their health and wellbeing, received £29,930 for the delivery of Links for Life activities from Sunderland City Council through the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The hub will be offering a mixture of classes, courses and socials aimed to help residents in the surrounding areas become happier and healthier. Sessions include Menopause Matters, Escape Pain, Every Move Matters, yoga, Bowls for Health and weight management courses.
Kelly Brougham, Director of Active Families North East, said: “We already offer health activities all across the region thanks to our Well Bean Machines, but a hub to base our activities from was the next natural step. We’re initially going to be providing services five days a week and hope to increase this to weekends very soon.
“The interest so far has been incredible and before they’d even started, three of our eight-week courses for menopause and pain management had been fully booked.”
To celebrate the opening, guests enjoyed healthy smoothies and light snacks, followed by an official opening conducted by the Mayor, Councillor Dorothy Trueman and her Consort Cllr Harry Trueman.
The launch comes after an incredibly successful 2023 for Active Families. The team is well on its way to introducing health and wellbeing activities to its target of 20k individuals across Gateshead and South Shields and has recruited an additional 3 members of staff over the last quarter to help grow the business.
Cllr Kelly Chequer, Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Healthy City, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the opening of Active Families North East’s first Wellbeing Hub. As a council we would like everyone in Sunderland to be able to live happy, healthy lives.
“Together with our partners, we’re working with the voluntary and community sector across the city to ensure our residents can access a good range of community support to help improve physical health and mental wellbeing. By collaborating and drawing upon the many assets in this great city, we will make a real difference to people’s lives. This new wellbeing hub is one such offer and will give residents in the Washington area access to some fantastic classes and courses right in their own community.”
Kelly added: “If you’d like to take part in one of our sessions or programmes, take a look at the full timetable on our website and social media pages.
“Or, if you’d like more information and to speak to a member of our team, fill out the referral form on our website and we can give you a call to answer any questions you may have while providing some class and activity recommendations.”
To learn more about Active Families, or to fill out a referral form, please visit: https://www.activefamiliesne.co.uk/
